Experience Divine Connections In Dry Places
God knows what you need even before you do.
You can trust that God is already making a way, even though you don’t see the way (watch the latest message to remember and celebrate what God has done for you already).
However, it’s easy to find supernatural provision in the wrong places. If you need a financial breakthrough, wishing for a money tree to start growing in your backyard is very tempting.
If you need direction, you hope for an obvious message written in the sky or floating in a bottle. God may bring you supernatural provision, but he often provides divine connections.
The Scripture says, “The Lord will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry” (Isaiah 58:11).
A dry place can feel like spiritual or emotional emptiness. Constantly giving out to others without anyone pouring into you can make you feel like you’re running on empty. Hoping for a job promotion but getting overlooked can lead to a dry place of discouragement. Losing a loved one can take you through the desert of grief.
Whatever dry place you’re in, the good news is that the Lord sees you. He promises to guide you continually and provide water for your thirsty soul.
If you’ve ever been thirsty from being out in the hot sun, nothing quenches your thirst like water. Moreover, that water is always carried by a cup, bucket, or bottle.
Some people will show up to be a cup of cold water when you are dry. Sent by God, these unexpected gifts are called divine connections.
Before the Apostle Paul became a follower of Jesus, he was a religious leader named Saul who hated Christians. He focused on eliminating Christianity by hurting the people who practiced it. Saul was searching for, persecuting, and throwing them in prison.
One day, a bright light blinded Saul as he was traveling to Damascus. He fell to the ground and heard a voice from heaven say to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?”
Saul realized that Jesus was speaking to him and directed him to go into the city where he would be told what to do. The men with Saul led him by the hand because he could not see for three days and neither ate nor drank.
This moment in time was Paul’s dry place. At one point, Paul was sure he was doing God’s will by persecuting Christians, but now, Paul realized he was working against God.
One can only imagine the questions circling through Paul’s mind, trying to determine the future:
Would anyone forgive him for the harm he caused? Would he be accepted or rejected? Would he ever be able to see again?
God had a divine connection prepared to be a cup of water for Paul’s dry place. God sent a man named Ananias to confirm to Paul that he was a chosen instrument to carry the good news of Jesus to the world. Ananias gave Saul the message and prayed for him that his blind eyes would be open.
Ananias was a cup of cold water for Paul’s dry place. Just like God sent a divine connection to Saul, he has one for you too (discover how your mistakes are not too deep for God’s mercy).
Here are three ways to stay strong in a dry place:
1) Trust that the Lord knows when you’re in a dry place.
He will guide you through it. The Lord blinded Saul physically so he could stop long enough to see spiritually. Even if you stumble or drift, if you have decided to trust the Lord’s guidance, he promises to lead and uphold you with his hand.
2) Remind yourself that a dry place is temporary.
A dry place feels like it will last forever. If you’re in it, keep growing through it. Just like the roots of a tree grow deeper in a drought, you will emerge stronger on the other side.
3) Experiencing a divine connection will inspire you to be one for others.
Ananias showed up for Saul, and the direction of his life changed. He went on to preach the good news, plant churches, and be a divine connection for many people. You can do the same.
Jesus said, “If you give even a cup of cold water to one of the least of my followers, you will surely be rewarded” (Matthew 10:42).
Prompt: Where have you seen God send a divine connection in your time of need? Send them a note of thanks for how they helped you.
Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for your divine connections. Help me to stay alert and be one for others. Amen.